Bitcoin Finds Buyers at Flag Pattern Support

Bitcoin has been falling this week. After making a high around 249 over the weekend, btcusd formed a double top and started sliding.

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) 1H Chart 5/15
(click to enlarge)

The decline came in 2 major swings. First price stalled just above 240 and started to trade sideways. Then, during the 5/14 session, we saw another strong bearish swing to bring price to about 234. In the 1H chart we can see that here, bitcoin was testing a falling channel support. During the transition from the 5/14 to 5/15 global sessions, we saw a quick spike down to almost 232 before buyers bid up the cryptocurrency again.

Now, the 1H chart does still show some bearish bias as btcusd trades under the 200-, 100-, and 50-hour SMAs and as the 1H RSI fell below 30. However, when we look at the 4H chart, we will see that there is a bullish bias, and the current “channel” could be just a flag pattern. If we get a rebound to 240, we will get more clues to whether the market will indeed continue its short-term uptrend. If it does not cross 240, we are likely in a bearish development. Above, 240, we will likely see bitcoin test the “channel” or “flag” support, with risk of breaking higher, which would put the 249/250 area back in sight.

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) 4H Chart 5/15
(click to enlarge)

In the 4H chart, we can see that this week’s falling channel is still within a rising channel started from the 214 low in late April. Price is still holding at the rising channel support. Also note that after testing the 200-period SMA, btcusd is still holding above it, which shows that the bullish bias is still in play.

We discussed the bullish scenario before, but if price falls below 232, we need to consider the bearish outlook, which would open up the 214 low.

Fan Yang has been a professional forex trader and analyst since 2007.
He specializes in technical analysis and has a Chartered Market Technician designation since 2011.
He was the chief technical strategist at CMSFX
He was also the founder and chief currency strategist at FXTimes
Over the years, Fan has not only been a trader and analyst but also an educator.
As a proponent of both technical and fundamental analysis in trading, Fan advocates simplicity and discipline as key factors in making trading decisions when faced with so many "clues" and "signals".
Currently Fan Yang is the chief currency analyst and webinar instructor at forexminute.com.

Risk Warning: All information on this website, including any opinions, charts, prices, news, data, Buy/Sell signals, research and analysis is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute any investment advice. Forexminute is not liable for any damage or loss, including but not limited to, any loss of investment, which may be based either directly orindirectly on the use of or reliance on such information. Before deciding whether or not to take part in foreign exchange or financial markets or any other type of financial instrument, please carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. Do not invest more money than you can afford to lose. Note that the high level of leverage in forex trading may work against you as well as for you. Please seek advice of an independent financial advisor if you are not fully aware about the risks associated with foreign exchange trading. Forex trading on margin involves considerable exposure to high risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. Forexminute does not endorse any companies, products or services which are represented on Forexminute.com The information on this website is subject to change without notice.